Kevin Love tops NBA's 2020 naughty & nice list

While the NBA officially began its season on Dec. 22, the 2020-21 season really kicks off in earnest on Christmas Day, as a tremendous five-game slate awaits us all.

In honor of the holidays, let’s take a look at which players most deserve to be on the NBA’s annual naughty & nice list.

Nice: Kevin Love

Kevin Love is a five-time NBA All-Star, but he tops our naughty & nice list because of the way he's used his notoriety to advocate for mental health awareness and support. Years ago, when Love announced to the world that he struggled with mental health, it was a first of its kind move that opened doors to conversations that typically exist behind closed doors. Love has also contributed to plenty of charities including Bring Change to Mind.

Naughty: Russell Westbrook

Love's former UCLA teammate brings a "me against the world" attitude with him every day, and has been known to rub plenty of people the wrong way as a result of his competitive fire. Westbrook has traded barbs both on and off the court, is renowned for his pettiness, and has become one of the league leaders in technical fouls. Passion is good, work ethic is essential, but gifting points to the opposition puts you on any coach’s naughty list.

Nice: Jrue Holiday

With the COVID-19 pandemic putting more stress than ever on small businesses, Jrue Holiday stepped up and did something truly remarkable. He donated his 2020 salary to small-businesses and non-profits in an effort to support those that have been hit hardest. It is incredibly commendable, and the ultimate good guy act. Kudos to you, Mr. Holiday.

Naughty: Draymond Green

Beyond his regrettable "hacked" twitter incident, Green is guilty of plenty of on-court discretions as well. A polarizing player, Green is a modern day Dennis Rodman, harassing players on defense, fighting for rebounds, and taking on the persona of a fighter happily competing above his weight class.

The 6'7" Green is known to berate officials when he feels like he’s been improperly targeted, and his kick heard 'round the world in the 2016 NBA Finals very likely cost the Warriors another championship ring.

Nice: Mike Conley 

The NBA Sportsmanship Award is given annually to the player elected by all NBA franchises who "exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court with ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity." Mike Conley has won this award a record-setting three times. They say there can be no great honor than recognition from your peers, and Conley has achieved that time-and-time again.